Chinese New Year 2016 traditions in Hangzhou, China. Welcoming the Year of the Monkey.

2016 marks the Year of the Monkey, and as part of the celebrations, Hangzhou will welcome thousands of tourists to West Lake, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China.

Hangzhou Tourism is encouraging all those planning trips to China to add Hangzhou to their must-visit list and sample a flavour of what the city has to offer.

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FUN FACTS ABOUT

CHINESE NEW YEAR TRADITIONS

IN HANGZHOU

- For Chinese New Year, Hangzhou people make LaBa (Ba means 8 in Chinese) Congee, which is a mixture of rice, nuts, and beans.

- For the New Year's Eve dinner, Chinese dishes with lucky and auspicious names are served. For example, a pig's large intestine symbolises 'roads clear ahead' while shredded meat wrapped in Chinese crepes symbolises a 'wallet with golden threads.'

- Cured meat, fish, chicken and duck is a local flavour in Hangzhou. It's a custom for every family to have the meat braised in soy sauce and then to hang these up under the roof for air drying.

- Hanging up New Year paintings is also very common in urban and rural areas of Hangzhou, where the paintings in rich and heavy colours bring a festive atmosphere.

- A Door God is a Chinese decoration placed on each side of an entry to a temple, home or business as it is believed to keep evil from entering.

- At midnight on Chinese New Year's Eve, fireworks are launched to celebrate the coming of the New Year as well as to drive away the evil.

PARADISE ON EARTH

Hangzhou is often described as a 'paradise on earth' for its enchanting culture and history. It has two World Heritage Sites: the beautiful West Lake and the Grand Canal along with its lush rolling hills, spectacular pagodas and temples, and fragrant fields of tea.

There is also the famous Lingyin Temple and the largest silk museum in the world.

INFORMATION ON HANGZHOU

- Hangzhou is found on the east coast of China and is the capital of Zhejiang province.

- Hangzhou is connected to Shanghai via bullet train and it can take as little as 52 minutes to travel between Shanghai and Hangzhou.

- Hangzhou will host the G20 Summit from September 4 to 5, 2016.

- As one of the Seven Ancient Capitals of China, Hangzhou is an important tourist city for history and culture.